We Sell & Install Wood, Gas, Pellet & Coal Stoves Near Hummelstown

How Much Heat Output (BTUs) Do I Need for My Space?

When selecting a home heating stove, one of the most important considerations is heat output. These are typically measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units)…and the right amount of heat output ensures your space stays warm without overheating or wasting energy.

What are BTUs? BTUs, or British Thermal Units, are a way to measure heat energy. One BTU is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In home heating, BTUs help determine how powerful a stove, fireplace, or furnace is and how much space it can effectively heat.

A good rule of thumb is that you’ll need approximately 20 to 30 BTUs per square foot of space. For example, a 1,000-square-foot area would require a stove that produces between 20,000 and 30,000 BTUs.

However, this number can vary widely based on several factors:

• Consider your home’s climate zone. In Hummelstown and similar colder-weather regions, you likely need more BTUs per square foot than someone living in a warmer southern climate. Homes in mild climates may only need 20 BTUs per square foot, while those in cold areas might need closer to 40.
• Evaluate your home’s insulation. A well-insulated home retains heat much more efficiently. Older homes with drafty windows or poor insulation may require a stove with higher output to compensate for heat loss. In contrast, newer, energy-efficient homes may do well with a lower-output model.
• Consider ceiling height. Rooms with vaulted ceilings or open floor plans require more heat to maintain a comfortable temperature because warm air rises. If you’re heating a single room with a standard 8-foot ceiling, you may need fewer BTUs than if you’re heating a two-story room.
• Count your windows. Another consideration is the number and type of windows in the space. Large windows can be beautiful, but they also contribute to heat loss. Rooms with many windows, especially if they’re older or single-pane, may need additional heating power.

You’ll also want to think about whether your stove will be used as a primary or supplemental heat source. If it’s your main source of heat for the home, you’ll need a higher output. If it’s just to add a cozy touch to a living room or den, a lower-BTU model can suffice.

Need some help figuring things out? We’d be happy to offer our professional insight. Let us know the details of your space, so we can calculate which models would be the right fit for your home.

Do Heating Stoves Work in Power Outages?

When storms and bad weather hit, it’s comforting to know you have a back up source of heat and light. Can your new stove deliver that? Well, it depends.

What type of heating stoves will work in a power outage?

• Wood stoves are the most reliable in power outages. As long as you have dry, seasoned wood, your wood stove will provide heat regardless of what’s happening with the power grid.
• Coal stoves, like wood stoves, can also operate without electricity. Traditional models use natural convection and gravity feed systems, so they don’t rely on fans or blowers. As long as you have coal on hand, you’re covered in an outage situation.

• Some gas stoves can function without power, allowing you to manually light the pilot and operate the unit. Always check the specs on your model to know exactly what to expect.

What type of heating stoves will not work in a power outage?

Pellet stoves typically require electricity to operate. They use electric augers to feed pellets into the burn chamber, fans to distribute heat, and control boards to manage operation, so without power, most will fail to function. That said, some models can be connected to a backup battery or generator, providing a reliable option if outages are common in your area.

There are models of gas stoves that won’t work in a power outage, as well. Types with electronic ignition or blowers may not work unless connected to a battery backup or generator.

Where in My Home Can I Install My New Heating Stove?

Installing a new heating stove isn’t just about where it looks good – you have to consider how safely and efficiently it will operate in that space, as well.

Yes, it’s true that stoves offer a lot more flexibility in terms of placement when compared to fireplaces. But every stove model has specific requirements in terms of clearances. In most cases, you’ll also need a non-combustible hearth pad underneath and possibly behind the stove.

Another major factor is venting. Your stove needs proper venting, whether it’s a chimney for wood or coal, a direct vent for gas, or an exhaust pipe for pellets. The installation location must allow for safe and code-compliant venting that minimizes twists and turns. Improper venting can affect performance and pose safety risks.

In terms of heat output, you’ll want to strategize a bit too. If you want to get maximum heat output, consider placing your stove in a central area of your home, typically a living room, family room, or main-floor open space. This allows heat to radiate or circulate evenly throughout the home. If you’re using the stove as a primary heat source, central placement becomes even more important for whole-home comfort.

For zone heating, this is less important. You may want to install the stove in a commonly used space that tends to get chilly or isn’t easily reached by your central heating system. This way, you get focused warmth right where you need it, without wasting energy heating the entire home.

For New Stove Installation Near You, Reach Out

From cozy wood stoves to high-efficiency gas, pellet, and coal options, our selection ensures there’s a perfect fit for every home. If you live in or around Hummelstown and are ready to upgrade your heating system with a stove that offers both beauty and performance, we’re here to help. Reach out today to learn more or to schedule your installation with our expert team.